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Working for Families Calculator

2025/26
Family Details
$
Tax Credits Summary

Weekly Payment

$260.94

Fortnightly

$521.88

Annual Total

$13,568.88

Family Tax Credit (FTC)$12,054.12
In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC)+$7,535.84
Income Abatement-$6,021.00
Total Weekly$260.94
Total Annual$13,568.88
By Income Level
Family IncomeFTCIWTCAbatementWeekly
$30,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$0.00$376.73
$45,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$621.00$364.79
$60,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$4,671.00$286.90
$80,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$10,071.00$183.06
$100,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$15,471.00$79.21
$130,000.00$12,054.12$7,535.84$23,571.00$0.00
By Number of Children
ChildrenFTCIWTCWeeklyAnnual
1$6,641.96$3,767.92$84.40$4,388.80
2$12,054.12$7,535.84$260.94$13,568.88
3$17,466.28$11,303.76$437.48$22,748.96
4$22,878.44$11,303.76$541.56$28,161.12
5$28,290.60$11,303.76$645.64$33,573.28
How is this Calculated?

Family Tax Credit (FTC)

Paid to all eligible families with dependent children under 18. The eldest child receives $127.73/week, and each subsequent child receives $104.08/week.

In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC)

Available to working families (couples working 30+ hours/week combined, sole parents 20+ hours/week). $72.46/week per child (up to 3 children).

Income Abatement

WFF credits reduce by 27 cents for every dollar of family income above $42,700.00.

Minimum Family Tax Credit (MFTC)

Provides a minimum income guarantee of $551.92/week for working families or sole parents with income below $30,000.

IRD-Aligned: Uses 2025-26 Working for Families rates and thresholds.

More Information
Understanding Working for Families in New Zealand

How the tax credits work and what your family could receive

What is Working for Families?

Working for Families (WfF) is a package of tax credits that helps families with the cost of raising children. It is paid by IRD and is available to families who are working, receiving a benefit, or a mix of both. There are four types of credit: Family Tax Credit (FTC), In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC), Best Start, and Minimum Family Tax Credit (MFTC).

What is the Family Tax Credit (FTC)?

The FTC is the main payment. You get NZ$127.73 per week for the eldest child and NZ$104.08 per week for each additional child (2025 rates). A family with 3 children could receive up to NZ$335.89 per week before any income reduction. The amount reduces as your family income goes above NZ$42,700 per year.

How does the income test reduce my payments?

If your combined family income is above NZ$42,700 per year, your WfF payments are reduced by 27 cents for every dollar above that threshold. So if your family earns NZ$60,000, the amount over the threshold is NZ$17,300, and your payments are reduced by NZ$4,671 per year (NZ$89.83 per week). Higher earners may get very little or nothing.

What is the In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC)?

The IWTC is an extra NZ$72.50 per week for families where the parents work at least 20 hours per week (single parent) or 30 hours per week combined (couple). You cannot receive the IWTC if you are receiving a main benefit like Jobseeker Support. It is designed to reward working families.

What is Best Start and who qualifies?

Best Start is a payment of NZ$69.16 per week for children born on or after 1 July 2018, until the child turns 3. For the first year, all families qualify regardless of income. From age 1 to 3, the payment is income-tested — it reduces if your family income is above NZ$79,000 per year.

What is the Minimum Family Tax Credit (MFTC)?

The MFTC is a top-up that makes sure working families earn at least a minimum after-tax income. If your family's after-tax income from work falls below NZ$32,864 per year, the MFTC tops it up to that level. You must work at least 20 hours per week (single parent) or 30 hours combined (couple) and not be receiving a benefit.

How do I apply for Working for Families?

You apply through IRD, either online via myIR, by phone, or by filling in an IR211 form. You will need your family's IRD numbers, details of your children, and your expected income. Payments can be made weekly or fortnightly, or you can receive them as a lump sum at the end of the tax year. Most families choose regular payments.

What happens if my income changes during the year?

If your income goes up or down, your WfF payments are adjusted. You should update your income estimate in myIR whenever your situation changes. If you receive too much during the year, you will need to pay it back. If you received too little, IRD will pay you the difference after the end of the tax year.

IRD-Aligned: Based on 2025 IRD rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax agent.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms